About riding in NZ

“I could write a whole book on this ride and how quite incredible this country and it’s people have been but, quite simply, New Zealand is, in my view, the greatest motorcycle ride the world has to offer.”

Driving in New Zealand

North Island Rides

Photo - Pohutukawa Trees, Bay of Plenty, North Island

The North Island can be considered, at least in a topographical sense, to be the ‘gentler’ of the two islands; mainly consisting of rolling hills, lush farmland and beautiful beaches. Around 20% of the island is classed as being mountainous, with a central range of major peaks up to 1700m high.

Although the North Island’s land mass is smaller than its southern twin, it boasts a longer and more convoluted coastline with hundreds of deep tranquil harbours, estuaries, inlets and sheltered sandy bays. Despite the North Island being considerably more compact than the South, the island is home to the majority of the country’s population.

South Island Rides

Photo - Lake Matheson, near the Fox Glacier in South Westland, New Zealand

New Zealand’s south island is substantially larger than the North but is home to only about 25% of the country’s entire population. A slower pace and more relaxed approach to life in general pervades the entire island, which is possessed of some incredibly remote and beautiful areas. Towering snowy mountains, imposing and ancient glaciers, dense forests, deep and unknowable fjords, wild coastlines and beautiful, pristine beaches provide a wide contrast of natural scenery for the visitor. When people picture New Zealand in their imaginations, it's the South Island they think of.

Auckland Area Rides

Photo - Auckland City taken from Devonport

Try not to think of Auckland as a city, even though it is New Zealand's largest city. Think of it as half urban, half marine—a cosmopolitan experience wrapped up in a fascinating water world that's dotted with over 50 islands.

Auckland has a population of over 1.2 million, which is approaching one third of New Zealand's entire population.

To the west, north and south there are beaches and vineyards. The native forests of the Waitakere and Hunua ranges let you discover New Zealand's unique bird and tree species, particularly the giant kauri tree.